Transfer printing machine



April 6, 1954 s. B. SCHWARTZ ET AL 2,674,056

TRANSFER PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS s. B. SCHWARTZ Hg 4 JOSEPH MULLER I AT TOBNEY April 6, 1954 s. B. SCHWARTZ ET AL 2,674,056

TRANSFER PRINTING MACHINE} Filed Jan. 15, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG.5

INVENTORS S B. SCHWARTZ JOSEPH MULLER ATTORNEY s. B. SCHWARTZ ET AL 2,674,056

April 6, 1954 TRANSFER PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15, 1952 Sheets-Sheet 4 I47 7 f 9 YIII 0 I49 I48 I50 FIG.8

521 TE 1" [5| I5] I64 I65 159 I57 '6' I60 I58 I56 '55 I54 I53 I52 I63 I 1 I62 I7I I69 m II I HI I70 II 1.. I V Efi t; 164 :3, I't' wm III LINE MICRO swITcI-I L I'\ E TAPE I FEED A I ZZ LIMIT T VALV swITcI-I f 3 I7! I I69 fL {L l. u 0 o CONTROL VALVES CAM OPERATED swITcI-IEs F I G. 9

TABLE DRIVE MOTOR INVENTORS S. B. SCHWARTZ AT TORNEY A ril 6, 1954 s. B. SCHWART2 ET AL 2,674,056

TRANSFER PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 15, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. II

IN VENTOR" S. B. SCHWARTZ JOSEPH MULLER ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 6, 1954 TRANSFER PRINTING MACHINE Shepard B. Schwartz and Joseph Muller, Nashville, Tenn., assignors to May Hosiery Mills, Nashville, Tenn., a corporation of Tennessee Application January 15, 1952, Serial No. 266,613

12 Claims. (Cl. 41-1) This invention relates to printing, and more particularly to an apparatus for applying information or identifying marks to textile fabrics such as hosiery.

Heretofore, particularly in the hosiery trade, it has been customary to appl identifying marks and the like to such hosiery by a strictly manual operation in which the desired marks are in the form of a transfer carried by a paper tape, the transfer or printing being eifected by applying a hot iron to the reverse side of the tape, and with the. transfer ink in contact with the fabric. Needless to say, this is a time consuming and ineflicient operation and has materiall contributed to the manufacturing cost of such hosiery.

Also in the past, numerous machines for accomplishing such marking have been proposed, but these machines have presented serious drawbacks, one of which is the proper registration of the printed matter with the iron for applying the same. Likewise, proper iron operation to prevent scorching or burning has presented a problem with the result that no satisfactory, relatively inexpensive and efficient machine for this purpose has heretofore been available.

It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a transfer printing machine which may be economically constructed from readily available parts and materials and which will eificiently operate to perform its intended functions.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an automatic transfer printing machine in which means are provided for feeding transfers in the form of a tape and in which means is also provided for automatically and accurately registering each transfer with the applying means. It is a further object of the invention to provide an automatic transfer printing machine which may be adjusted to accommodate various types and sizes of fabric articles.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of an automatic transfer printing machine in which the transfer may be automatically and accurately registered regardless of the size of such transfer. Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view showing the automatic transfer printing machine of this invention;

Fig. 2 a side elevational view showing the printingmachineofliigg.1;

"Fig; 3 a fragmentary sectional view showing the cylinder and operating piston for the transfer iron, and with the iron in retracted position;

Fig. 4 a fragmentary elevational view similar to Fig. 3 but showing the iron in extended position;

Fig. 5 a fragmentary elevational view showing the control means for registration of the. transfer tape, and with the parts in position during the advancing movement of such tape;

Fig. 6 a view similar to Fig. 5 but showing the parts in position while the transfer tape i stationary during operation of the transfer iron;

Fig. 7 a sectional View on the line 1-1 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 a fragmentary elevational view with parts in section for greater clarity and showing the feed table and details of the drive therefor;

Fig. 9, a schematic diagram of the electrical control circuit for the printing machine of this invention; e

Fig. 10 a fragmentary detail view of the transfer tape and transfer as applied thereto; and

Fig. 11, a top plan view of the automatic trans fer printing machine of this invention.

With continued reference to the drawing and particularly Figs. 1 and 2, there is shown an automatic transfer printing machine constructed in accordance with this invention and comprise ing a supporting standard l0 upon the upper end of which may be secured by Welding or the like, a block ll. A complementary block l2 may be secured to the upper surface of block I l by screwthreaded fastening means IS. The abutting faces of the blocks H and I 2 may be provided with longitudinal complementary recesses which serve to slidably receive and clamp in adjusted position a horizontally extending supporting member'l l. Secured to one end of supporting member M by a screw-threaded fastening means I5 is a vertically disposed cylinder l6 from which the re:- mainder of the mechanism is supported.

As best shown in Fig. 3, cylinder"; is provided with a bore I! which serves to slidablyreceive a piston l8 having packings l9 at each end thereof. Secured to the piston l8 by a pin or the like 2!! is a piston rod 2| which is slidably received in an aperture 22 in an end closure 23 threadedly engaged with the lower end of the cylinder 16 at 24. In order to provide a fluidtight seal at the lower end of the cylinder It, a gasket 25may be positioned between an annular flange 26 and the lower edge of the cylinder I6, gasket 25 being tightly clamped in place by the screw-threaded engagement 2%. Also, in order to prevent leakage of fluid from within the cylinder 16' aroundthe piston rod 2-! there may be provided 'a" packing 21 secured to the closure 23 and slidably engaging the surface of the piston rod M to prevent leakage of fluid from the bore I! of cylinder it. Obviously, if desired, other types of packing 2? may be employed, such as the conventional gland or stufiing box, but with the pressures employed in this apparatus, in all probability a packing 2"! of the oil seal type will be satisfactory. Fluid pressure is-supplied to the upper end of bore I? through a conduit 28 and to the lower end of bore I! through a conduit 29.

The lower end of piston rod 2| extends through an aperture in a boss 30 projecting from the upper surface of a cross-head. may be secured to the cross head el by a pin or other equivalent means 32.

Supported from the cross-head 3| for movement therewith is a transfer iron 33 of more or less conventional construction and which may conveniently include a transfer contacting shoe which is 'heatediby an electrical heating element 35' disposed within a. casing 35. The ends ofheatingelement 35 may be secured to a terminalstripi3'l which facilitatesconneotion to electrical conductors 38 extending to a source of electricalaenergy. In order to protect the operator from burns, the iron 33 may be provided with a housing: 39 enclosing the same, this housing having a plurality ofap'ertures36 which serve to dissipate'the'heat; the housing 39 remaining relatively, coolzand even if contacted by the operator wouldnot result in apainful burn.

Iron 33 is supported from cross-head 31 for verticalimovement therewith and also for vertical movement relative thereto by means of upstanding; rods 49 threadedly received in the shoe 34'; rods lll'extending upwardly through apertures 41 in the'cross-head '3 I. The rods 49 may be provided with heads 42 disposed above the upper surface of cross-head? in order to limit down ward relative movement of the iron 33; Disposed about'therods 4B and between the lower surface of cross-head 31 and the upper surface of housing 39"are' compression springs 43' which upon downward movement'of 'the iron 33, into engage- I ment'with-an article; permit the same to move upwardly with relation to the cross-head 3i and compress the springs 43'inorder to exert a resilient pressing'force upon such articles. Iron 33' is of course. moved vertically by the introduction'of -fluid pressure through conduits 28 or 29 to the appropriate ends of bore ['1 in cylinder 16.

Transfers for use in the machine of this invention are supplied in the form of a roll 44 of paperorv other suitable tape 45. This tape having printed thereon with suitable ink a design or lettering lt as shown in Fig; 10. Since it is necessary'that the taped? be fed to present successive'transfers tothe action of iron 33 andfurther since the design orlettering itmust register U precisely with theiron33suitable'means is provided forfeeding andregistering such transfers. Extending from opposite sides of the cylinder it are upper horizontal rods 41 and lfiand lower horizontal'rods 49'and'5ll. Slidably received on the rods 41*and49 is'abracket 5i which is'pro vided' with-outwardly extending tubular members52 and53which are received over the rods 412 and respectively. The rods d7; 48, 49, and maybe provided with flats 54 and such flats maybe engaged by a set-screw or the like 55 to secure the'bracket-fil inadjustedposition. Secured to'the bracket 5 by' welding or the like are a pairofspacedparallel horizontal barsit which in conjunction with vertical spaced parallel arms 51 serve to support the roll 64 by means of a U- shaped recess 58 in the upper end of each arm 51, recesses 58 serving to receive the ends of axle 53 extending through the roll it. A guide roll 60 for the tape 45 is also journaled between the arms 51 below the roll 44.

Secured to the lower end of bracket 5| by welding. or the like is a fixture 6| which. as best shown in Figs. 1, 5, 6, and 7 comprises abase-plate 62 which is secured to the lower end of vertically extending arms 51 by welding or the like, base plate BZ-being provided at one end thereof with upwardly extending spaced parallel ears 63. Mounted for vertical. adjustment on the cars 63 is a roll fit which may be provided with anti-friction bearings 65, roll 64 having an axle 65 received in end plates 61, plates 61 serving to receive screw threaded fastening means or the like $8 which extend through vertical slots 69 in the cars 63. As Will be seen from an inspection of Fig.7, roll 'e lmay, be moved vertically'by loosening' the screw-threaded fastening means 63. to permit vertical sliding movement thereofthe slots 69 and upon proper adjustment of the 'roll t6, the screw-threaded fastening means 68 may be tightened to securely clamp the roll 64 in adiusted position. At the opposite end of baseplate 62 from the upstanding ears 63, a microswitch it is secured to the undersurface thereof and the actuating. plunger 'Hof the microswitch 35 extends upwardly through an aperture in the base plate 82. Also secured to the base plate62 are downwardly depending spaced ears 12, the purpose of which will be presently described.

A rocker arm 73 is pivotally, mounted on the base-plate 62 by means of a depending boss 14 extending through an aperture 15 in the baseplate 52, boss '54" being pivotally received on a shaft l6. supported by the depending ears 72. Shaft 76 may be-secured in place by a cotter key or other equivalent fastening means TI. Rocker arm 13 is vprovidedat one endwith spaced upstanding ears Hlwhieh are received between the upstanding ears 63. on base-plate 62. Ears 2B serve to rotatably support a roll 19 which may be provided with anti-friction bearings 86; this roll being supported by an axle 8! extending through apertures in theears l8. B01119 is locatedi. directly below roll Hand is designed to cooperate therewith in a manner to be presently described.

At the opposite end of rocker-arm 13 a pushrod 62 in the form of a screw-threadedmember is threadedly received in the rocker-arm l3 and projects downwardly therethrough directly above plunger H Of'IlllClOSWltCh 'EB. Pushrod 82 is provided with a lock nut 83 which serves to engage the upper surface of the rocker-arm i3 and lock the pushrod 82 in adjusted position, whereby the point of operationof the microswitch T0 may be determined- Pushrod 82- is also provided with a finger engaging knob 84 to facilitate convenient adjustment thereof.

An aperture 85 is provided in the rocker-arm 73 between the pushrod 82 and the pivot shaft 16, aperture 85 serving to receive an upstanding bolt 88 secured to the base plate 62, bolt 86 having received thereon above the rocker-arm 73 a compression spring 87 which engages a washer 33 disposed beneath the head 89 of the bolt 86. Compression spring 8? engages the upper surface of rocker-arm l3 and tends to bias the same in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figs. 1, 5, and 6 to urge the pushrod 82 into engagement with the plunger llvof microswitch Hi. The tension of spring 81 may be adjusted by turning movement of the bolt 06.

Also secured to the lower end of bracket 5I by welding or the like are depending spaced parallel arms 90 which serve to rotatably support vertically spaced guide rollers 9i and 92. Guide rollers 9| and 92 are provided for the purpose of receiving and guiding the tape 45 in a manner to be later described. The mechanism just described provides the registration means for insuring that the lettering 46 will be positioned directly beneath the iron 33 and the operation of this registration mechanism will be described in connectionwith the description of the operation of the entire machine.

Automatically operable tape pulling means for advancing the tape 45 as each transfer is applied is provided, and may take the form of a motor 93, mounted upon a shelf 94, attached to a bracket 95, as by welding or the like. Bracket 95 is provided with spaced parallel tubular members 96 and 91, these tubular members being slidably received on rods 40 and 50 secured to the cylinder I6. Tubular members 96 and 91 are provided with set screws 98 which engage the flats 54 on the rods 48 and 50 to securely lock bracket 95 and associated equipmentin adjusted position.

Motor 93 is provided with a reduction gear 99 from which extends a power output shaft I00, on which shaft is mounted a clutch-jaw IOI. A journal bearing I02 mounted upon shelf 94 serves to rotatably support a roll shaft I03 in axial alignment with the power output shaft I00. Mounted upon roll shaft I03 is a serrated roll I04. A driven clutch jaw I05 is slidably mounted on the end of roll shaft I03 adjacent clutch jaw IOI, jaw I05 being arranged to cooperate therewith. An annular groove I06 is provided in the outer surface of jaw I05 and a clutch operating yoke I01 partially embraces the jaw I05 and is provided with pins I09 which extend into the groove I06 from opposite sides. Yoke I01 is provided with a downwardly extending arm I09 which is pivotally mounted at IIO on a bracket I I I' secured to the bracket 95. Pivotal movement of'the arm I09 and the yoke I01 serves to engage or disengage the cooperating teeth H2 on the jaws IM and I05.

In order to control the operation of the moveable clutch jaw I05, there is provided a fluid pressure cylinder II 3 pivotally mounted at one end thereof, on a bracket H4 depending from shelf 94, by a pivot pin or other equivalent means I I5. A piston rod IE6 projects from the opposite end of cylinder I53, and is pivotally ser cured to the arm I09 by a suitable connection, such as a pivot pin H1. The piston rod H6 connects to a piston of the double acting variety disposed within the cylinder II3. A conduit H8 provides fluid pressure for one end of the cylinder H3, and a second conduit I I9 provides fluid pressure for the opposite end of cylinder II3.

'The' tape 45 is held in engagement with the serrated roller I64 by an idler roll I20 rotatably mounted between spaced parallel arms I2 I, which in turn are pivotally mounted at I22 on spaced ears I23 extending from bracket 95. Idler roll I20 exerts a resilient pressure on tape 45 to urge the same into engagementwith serrated roll I04 by reason of tension springs I24, connected to arms I2I, and to bracket 95. A main fluid pressure supply line I25 is provided with a plurality of branch lines I26; I21, I28, and I29, and the passage of fluid through sueh-branch'lines is controlled by solenoid valves ported from legs I5I.

I30. I3I, I32, and I33 respectively. The outlet sides of valves I30, I3I, I32, and I33 are each connected to T fittings I34, I35, I36, and I31. Fluid pressure exhaust outlets I38, I39, I40, and I 4| are connected to the T fittings I34, I35, I36, and I31 respectively and the flow of fluid through such exhaust outlets is controlled by solenoid valves I42, I43, I44, and I respectively. Conduits 28 and 29 which supply fluid pressure to the opposite ends of cylinder I6 are connected to T fittings I34 and I35 respectively and conduits I I8 and I I9 which supply fluid pressure to opposite ends of cylinder II3 are connected to T fittings I36 and I31 respectively. The solenoid valves are energized in the proper sequence to perform the necessary operations of the machine and the electrical circuit and manner of operation of this control circuit will be later described.

Fabric articles to be printed by the machine of this invention may conveniently be placed on the'upper surface of a plate I46 forming acircular feed table provided with a depending flange I41 which serves to protect the operator from injury and to conceal the mechanism located beneath the table. Plate I46 may be provided with spaced circular tracks I 48 secured to the under surface thereof by welding or the like, tracks I46 being provided with annular grooves I49 which serve to receiverollers I50 mounted in the upper ends of supporting legs or standards I5I. A sufiicient number of legs I5I and rollers I50 may be provided to suitably support the feed table I 46.

Driving means for the feed table I46 is provided in the form of a motor I52 having a power output shaft I53 coupled to a speed reduction gearing I54 which in turn is coupled to a drive shaft I55 having cams I56, I51, and I58 disposed thereon. Drive shaft I55 in turn is coupled to a ratchettype or other suitable clutch I59, the output shaft I60 of which carries a bevel gear I6I. Gear I6I meshes with a bevel gear I62 carried by a vertically disposed shaft I63 journaled in bearings I64, carried by cross braces I65, sup- Secured to the shaft I63 adjacent the upper end thereof is a spur gear I66 which meshes with a circular rack I61 carried by a circular angle member I68 secured to the plate I46 of the feed table. Cams I56, I51, and I58 on drive shaft I55 engage switches I69, I10, and IN to actuate the same in proper timed sequence and such actuation in connecting with the operation of the machine will be later described.

The ratchet type or other clutch I59 is of conventional construction and serves to automatically rotate the table I46 in periodic step-by-step movements. The clutch I59 automatically engaging and disengaging to accomplish such movement, the drive shaft I55 coupled to such clutch being continuously rotatable.

The control circuit as best shown schematically in Fig. 9 includes in addition to the micro-switch '13, cam operated switches I69, I10, and I", a limit switch I12 secured to the cylinder I6 and having an operating plunger I13 engageable by a finger I10 carried by the piston rod 2| and secured in place by the pin 32. Finger I14 is operative to engage the plunger I13 and operate the switch I12 when the iron 33 is in uppermost position and upon downward movement of the iron 33 the finger I14 is disengaged from the plunger I13 and allows the switch E12 to return to its normal inoperative condition. The table drive motor .I52-is1contro1led by a switch andthis '7 motor runs continuously during-.the; operation of:the-machine..

In the operation of the:printing machine of this invention, and: assuming the, table drive motor; I52. to be: operating,,the; tazble I46 will rotate intermittently: a predetermined distance by -reason of the-action of clutch-I 59, and; textile articles; to; be printed El'IGgDlELCGd on, the; table I465 and ;held in; position byv any, desired means. These articles are. advanced. beneath the tape 4.5.,carrying;the-transfers 46; tape 45. being, guided by. roller 9 I and by. roller: I16. supportedfrom spacedarms !,'";Whlh are attached to bracket 3.52. Eacharticle tOtbB; printedcomes: to rest be: neathathetape 45' and directly beneath the iron 33.;v Atthistimeycam operatedswitch I'II closes to-energizesolenoid I30. and'solenoid. hi3, which admitsfluid pressure through conduit .28 to .the upperyendgof: cylinder it, thus moving the iron 33; downwardly to transfer the ink 48. from tape 45i-to;th e article to be printed. Upon completion of this; printing operation, cam operated; switch IiI closes a second setof contacts. to energize solenoid 31' and solenoid I42, thus introducing fluidpressureto the lower end of cylinder IEand retracting iron 33. Solenoid valves I54 and I45 permit-the; escape of fluid pressure from the cylinder- I6; during movement of the piston I8 in suehcylinder. The table I46; then moves another step to presenta secondfabric article to beprinted;

Since; the transfer, 46. isonly suificientfor one printing operation, it is necessary to advance the tape 45 and bring a. second transfer into registry with the-iron 33ia-fter; the completion of a printing operation. This advancement of'the tape 45 is accomplished by the mechanism above described, and-exaet registry of the transfer 46 is obtained by actuation of the micro-switch l0. Actuation of: this switchis caused by the transfer: 46'; passing betweenthe rolls. 64 and IS, the thickness of the transfer ink being sufficient to move. these rolls apart andpivot the rocker arm I3.a-bout thepivot pinlfi, thus moving the'push rod 8 2;away fromthe'plunger 'I'I ofmicro-switch Ill, and allowing this switch to close.

Assumingv that a printingoperation has just beencompleted and. a transfer-46. is disposed between the rolls 6.4 and I9 with. the microeswitch "IGjclosed to complete the circuit to solenoid valves I32 and M5, at this time cam operated switch I69; is open in order to interrupt the circuit to these-solenoid valves. and prevent: energization of the same. Upon return of iron 33 to its uppermost position the finger I'I4:will-engage plunger I13 of. limiteswitch- I12, closing this switch to energizesolenoid valves I33 and I44, thus admitting fluid pressure to one end of the cylinder I 53 and, engaging the driven clutch member I85 with the driving clutch member ISI- to rotate drive roll I04 and advance the, tape45 through the rolls Hand 19 from the tape supply roll 44.

Assoon as the transfer 46 has passed from between rolls 64 and 'Isthese rolls move toward each other toopen the micro-switch Hi and at the-same time cam operated switch hi9 closesto supply. current to thiscircuit in order that when the next transfer46 passes between rolls 64. and Hand closes micro-switch I this will operate to energize solenoid valves I32 and M which will disengage driven clutch member I65 from driving, clutchmember MI and stop the rotation of roll IE4. and themovement of tape M5 which results in accurately registering or positioningartransfer. 46 :beneath the iron 33'. During; the advancement of tape 45 camoperated switch I'ID opens, which deenergizes, solenoid valves I33;and I44, but the driven clutch member I05;will not be; disengaged from driving clutch member IG'I until micro-switch"!!! closes, since it is-necessary to introduce fluid pressure to the opposite end of cylinder II3..in order. to accomplish suchdisengagement of the tape pulling drive clutch.- Itwillbe seen that it is. impossible for the tape 45 to be moved. during downward movement of the iron .33 to initiate aprinting operation since immediately the iron 33 com: mences to, move downwardly, the finger -I14 is. disengagedfrom the plunger I13; thus opening the limit switch I12 and preventing introduction of fluid pressure to-the cylinder II 3.:t0. engage the driven clutch member with the driving clutch member IOI;, This movement is only-Vinitiated upon the upward movement of the iron 3?. to. close the limit-switch I12, after which-movement of the tape 45 is completely under control of the micro-switch ID actuated by the transfer 46 passing between the rolls 64 and I9;

It will be seen that by the above described invention. there has been provided a completely automatic transfer printing machine in which transfers may be supplied on a continuous paper tape and in which such transfers are accurately registered-with a transfer applying iron and in which the articles to be printed may be. automatically fed to the machine in timed relation to the operation of the various components thereof, the operation of the machinebeing accomplished through fluid pressur means controlled by an electrical circuit. The machine of this invention may be constructed-from readilyavaile able parts and materials and may be fabricated in such a manner that highly efiicient operation may be obtained over long periods of time without the necessity for frequent shutdowns for: repair and the like;

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made inthe invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore the invention is not limited by that which is shown inthe drawing and described in the specifications, but only as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A transfer printing machine comprising a circular feed table on which articles to be print ed may be placed, a continuously operating power source, a one revolution clutch connecting said power source and said table for imparting intermittent movement to said table, a fluidpressure cylinder adjustably disposed above said table, a piston in said cylinder, a cross-head car ried by said piston for movement toward and from said'table, aheated iron carried by said cross-head for movement therewith and for movement relative thereto, resilient means for resistin movement of said iron toward said crosse head, a frame adjustably supported on said cylinder, a roll-oftape rotatably mounted on said frame, transfers of heat sensitive ink carried by said tape, an elongated base member-carriedby said frame, a roller adjustably mounted on said base member adjacent one end-thereof, a microswitch mountedon said base member adjacent th opposite end thereof, a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said base member, a roller mounted on said rocker arm adjacent said first mentioned roller, adjustable resilient means engaging said base member and said rocker arm to biassaid rollers into engagement, an adjustable push rod mounted on said rocker arm and engageable with said microswitch to open and close the same upon pivotal movement of said rocker arm, uide means for directing said tape from said roll between said rollers and for positioning said tape above said table in spaced substantially parallel relation thereto, tape pulling mean comprising a bracket adjustably mounted on said cylinder, a friction roller mounted on said bracket, an idler roller mounted on said bracket for holding said tape in engagement with said friction roller, a driving motor, a clutch between said motor and said friction roller and fluid pressure means for engaging and disengagin said clutch, a source of fluid pressure, solenoid valves for controlling the flow of fluid from said source to said fluid pressure cylinder and to said fluid pressure means, other solenoid valves for controlling the exhaust from said fluid pressure cylinder and from said fluid pressure means, a limit switch mounted on said cylinder, a finger carried by said cross-head and engaseable with said limit switch to open and close the same upon movement of said crosshead, a plurality of cam actuated switches, a plurality of cams operated by said power source for actuating said last said mentioned switches in timed relation to the movement of said table, whereby upon movement of an article on said table into position beneath said tape and said iron one of said cam actuated switches will operate to energize certain said solenoid valves and admit fluid to said cylinder to move said iron downwardly into engagement with said tape to apply said transfer to said article, said cam actuated switch operating to deenergize said certain solenoid valves and energize others to re turn said iron to uppermost position, said finger engaging said limit switch to energize certain other of said solenoid valves to cause said fluid pressure means to engage said clutch thereby advancing said tape to bring the next transfer into registry with said iron, such registration being effected by the engagement of a transfer with said rollers, the thickness of the ink forming th transfer moving said rollers apart to pivot said rocker arm and closesaid microswitch and energize certain of said other solenoid valves to disengage said clutch, the other of said cam ac tuated switche operating to control the microswitch and limit switch circuits.

2. A transfer printing machine comprising a feed table on which articles to be printed may be placed, a power source, a clutch connecting said power source anad said table for imparting intermittent movement to said table, a fluid pressure cylinder adjustably disposed above said table, a piston in said cylinder, a cross-head carried by said piston for movement toward and from said table, a heated iron carried by said cross-head for movement therewith and for movement relative thereto, resilientmeans for resisting movement of said iron toward said cross-head, a frame supported on said cylinder, a roll of tape rotatably mounted on said frame, spaced transfers of heat sensitive ink carried by said tape, an elongated base member carried by said frame, a roller adjustably mounted on said base member adjacent one end thereof, a microswitch mounted on said base member adjacent the opposite end thereof, a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said base member, a roller mounted on said rocker arm adjacent said first mentioned roller, resilient means engaging said base mem able with said microswitch to open and close the same upon pivotal movement of said rocker arm, guide means for directing said tape from said roll between said rollers and for positioning said tape above said table in spaced substantially parallel relation thereto, tape pulling means comprising a bracket mounted on said cylinder, a friction roller mounted on said bracket, an idler roller for holding said tape in engagement with said friction roller, a motor, a clutch between said motor and said friction roller and fluid pressure means for engaging and disengaging said clutch, a source of fluid pressure, solenoid valves for controlling the flow of fluid from said source to said fluid pressure cylinder and to said fluid pressure means, other solenoid valves for controlling the exhaust from said fluid pressure cylinder and from said fluid pressure means, a limit switch, a finger carrier by said cross-head and engageable with said limit switch to open and close the same upon movement of said crosshead, a plurality of cam actuated switches, a plurality of cams operated by said power source for actuating said last mentioned switches in timed relation to the movement of said table whereby upon movement of an article on said table into position beneath said tape and said iron one of said cam actuated switches will operate to energize certain of said solenoid valves and admit fluid to said cylinder to move said iron downwardly into engagement with said tape to apply said transfer to said article, said cam actuated switch operating to deenergize said certain solenoid valves and energize others to return said iron to uppermost position, said finger engaging said limit switch to energize certain other of said solenoid valves to cause said fluid pressure means to engage said clutch thereby ad vancing said tape to bring the next transfer into registry with said iron, such registration being effected by the engagement of a transfer with said rollers, the thickness of the ink forming the transfer moving said rollers apart to pivot said rocker arm and close said microswitch and energize certain of said other solenoid valves to disengage said clutch, the other of said cam actuated switches operating to control the microswitch and limit switch circuits.

3. A transfer printing machine comprising a feed table on which articles to be printed may be placed, a power source means, connecting said power source and said table for imparting intermittent movement to said table, a fluid pressure cylinder disposed above said table, a piston in said cylinder, a cross-head carried by said piston for movement toward and from said table, a heated iron carried by said cross-head for movement therewith, a frame, a roll of tape, rotatably mounted on said frame, spaced transfers of heat sensitive ink carried by, said tape, an elongated base member carried by said frame, a roller adjustably mounted on said base member adjacent one end thereof, a microswitch mounted on said base'member adjacent the opposite end thereof, a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said base member, a roller mounted on said rocker arm adjacent said first mentioned roller, resilient means engaging said base member and said rocker arm to bias said rollers into engagement, means on said rocker arm engageable with said microswitch to open and close the same upon pivotal movement of said rocker arm, guide means for directing said tape from said roll between said rollers and for positioning said tape above said table in spaced substantial parallel and tosaid fluid pressure means, other solenoid i valves for controlling the exhaust from said fluid pressure cylinder and from said fluid pressure means, a limit switch, a finger carried by said cross-head and engageable with said limit switch to open and close thesame uponmovement of said cross-head, a plurality of cam actuated switches, 'a plurality of cams operated by said power source for actuating said last mentioned switches in timed relation with movement of said table whereby-upon movement of an article on said table into position beneath said tape and said iron one of said cam actuated switches will operateto energize certain of said solenoid valves and admit fluid to said cylinder to move said iron downwardly into engagement with said tape to apply said transfer to said article, said cam actuated switch operating to deenergize said certain solenoid valves and energize others to return said iron to uppermost position, said finger engagingsaid limit switch to energize certain of said other solenoid valves to cause said fluid pressure means to engage said clutch thereby advancing said tape to bring the next transfer into registry with'said iron, such registration being efiected of the engagement of a transfer with said rollers, the thickness of the ink forming the transfer moving said rollers apart to pivot 'saidrocker arm and close said microswitch and energize certain of said other solenoid valves to disengage said clutch, the other of said cam actuated switches operating tocontrol the microswitch and limit switch circuits.

45A transfer printing machine comprising a feed table on which articles to be printed may be 'placed, a power source, means connecting said power source and said table for imparting intermittent movement to said table, a fluid pressure cylinder disposed above saidtable, a piston in said'cylinder, a cross-head carried by said piston for movement toward and from said table, a

"heated'iron carried by saidcrosshead for movement therewith, a frame, a roll of taperotatably mounted on said frame, spaced transfers of heat sensitive ink carried by said tape, a base member,

:a roller mounted on said base member, a microswitch mounted on said base member, a pivotally mounted rocker arm, a roller mounted on said rocker arm adjacent said first mentioned roller, means to bias said rollers into engagement, means on said rocker arm engageable with said microswitch' to open and close the same upon pivotal movement of said rocker arm, guide means for directing said tape from said roll be tween said rollers and for positioning said tape above said'table in "spaced substantially parallel i from' said fluid pressure cylinder and from'said fluid pressure 'me'ans a limit switch,'a finger carried by said cross-head and engageable with said limit switch to open and close the same'upon movement of said cross-head, a'plurality of timi'ng switches operable in timed relation'to -the movement of said table whereby upon movement of anarticl'e on saidtable into position beneath said tape and said iron, one of said timing switches will'operate'to energize certain of'said solenoidvalv'es and admit fluid to-said cylinder to 'move'said'iron downwardly into engagement with said'tape to apply said transfer to said article,' said timing switch operating to deenergize said-certain solenoid valves and energize others to return said iron to uppermost position, said finger engaging said limit "switch to energize certain other of said solenoid valves to cause said fluid pressure means to engage said clutch thereby advancing said tape'to bring the next transfer into registry with said iron, such registration being effected by the engagement of a transfer with said-rollers, the thickness of the ink forming the transfer moving said rollers 'apartto pivot said rocker arm and close'said microswitch and energize certain of said other solenoid valves to disengage said clutch, the other ofsaid timing switches operatingto control the microswitch and limit switch circuits.

5. A transfer printing-machine comprising a feed table on which articles to be printed may be placed,'-a power source, means connecting said powersour'ce and said'ta'ble for imparting intermittent movement to said table, a fluidapressure cylinder disposed above said table; a piston in said cylinder, a heated iron carried by said piston for movement therewith, a frame, a roll of tape rotatably mounted on said frame, spaced transfers of heat sensitive ink carried by said tape, a base -'member, a roller mounted on said base member, a 'microswi'tch mounted on said base member; a piv'otally mounted rocker arm, a roller mountedon'said rocker arm adjacent said first mentioned roller, means "to bias said rollers into engagement, means on said rocker arm'engageable with said microswitch to open and close the same upon pivotal movement of said rocker arm, guide means for directing said -tape from said roll between said rollersyand for positioning said tape above said table in spaced substantially parallel relation thereto, tape pulling means comprising a friction roller, means for holding said tape in engagement with said friction roller, a driving -motor,'a clutch between said motor and said friction roller and fluid pressure means for engaging and disengaging said clutch,- a source of fluid pressure control means for controlling the flow of fluid from said source to said fluid pressure cylinder and to said fluid pressure means, means for controlling the exhaust from said fluid pressure cylinder and from said fluid pressure means, a limit switch, means to open and close said limit switch upon movement of said iron; a plurality of timing switches operable in timed relation to the movement of said table, whereby upon'movement of an article on said table into position beneath said tape and said iron one of said timing switches will operate to cause said fluid pressure control means to admit fluid to said cylinder to'inove said iron downwa'rdly 'into engagement with said tape to apply said transfer to said'articla said timing switchoperating to actuate said fluid-pressure controlmeans tor'eturn said iron to 'uppermo'st position} the closing or "said limit switch serving to actuate said fluid pressure control means to engage said clutch thereby advancing said tape to bring the next transfer into registry with said iron, such registration being effected by the engagement of a transfer with said rollers, the thickness of the ink forming the transfer moving said rollers apart to pivot said rocker arm and close said microswitch and operate said fluid pressure control means to disengage said clutch, the other of said timing switches operating to control the microswitch and limit switch circuits.

6. A transfer printing machine comprising a table on which articles to be printed may be placed, a fluid pressure cylinder disposed above said table, a piston in said cylinder, a cross-head carried by said piston for movement toward and from said table, a heated iron carried by said piston for movement therewith and for movement relative thereto, resilient means forresisting movement of said iron toward said cross-head, a frame, a roll of tape rotatably mounted on said frame, spaced transfers of heat sensitive ink carried by said tape, a base member carried by said frame, a roller mounted on said base member adjacent one end thereof, a microswitch mounted on said base member adjacent the opposite end thereof, a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said base member, a roller mounted on said rocker arm adjacent said first mentioned roller, adjustable resilient means engaging said base member and said rocker arm to bias said rollers into engagement, means on said rocker arm engageable with said microswitch to open and close the same upon pivotal movement of said rocker arm, guide means for directing said tape from said roll between said rollers and for positioning said tape above said table in spaced substantially parallel relation thereto, tape pulling means comprising a friction roller, an idler roller for holding said tape in engagement with said friction roller, a driving motor, a clutch between said motor and said friction roller and fluid pressure means for engaging and disengaging said clutch, a source of fluid pressure, means for controlling the fiow of fluid from said source to said fluid pressure cylinder and said fluid pressure means, a limit switch, a finger carried by said cross-head and engageable with said limit switch to open and close the same upon movement of said cross-head, whereby upon actuation of said a control means to cause fluid to flow to said fluid pressure cylinder said iron will move downwardly into engagement with said tape to apply said transfer to an article disposed on said table and upon return of said iron to uppermost position said limit switch will close to actuate said fluid pressure means and engage said clutch thereby advancing said tape to bring the next transfer into registry with said iron, such registration being effected by the engagement of a transfer with said rollers, the thickness of the ink forming the transfer moving said rollers apart to pivot said rocker arm and close said microswitch thus causing said fluid pressure means to disengage said clutch.

7. A transfer printing machine comprising a table on which articles to be printed may be placed, a fluid pressure cylinder disposed above said table, a piston in said cylinder, a cross-head carried by said piston for movement toward and away from said table, 'a heated iron carried by said cross-head for movement therewith, a frame, a roll of tape rotatably mounted on said frame,

said tape, a base member,. a roller mounted on said base member, a microswitch mounted on said base member, a pivotally mounted rocker arm, a roller mounted on said rocker arm adjacent said first mentioned roller, means to bias said rollers into engagement, means on said rocker arm engageable to said microswitch to open and close the same upon pivotal movement of said rocker arm, guide means for directing said tape from said roll between said rollers and for positioning said tape above said table in spaced substantially parallel relation thereto, tape pulling means com prising a friction roller, means for holding said tape in engagement with said friction roller, a driving motor, a clutch between said motor and said friction roller and fluid pressure means for engaging and disengaging said clutch, a source of fluid pressure, means for controlling the flow of fluid from said source to said fluid pressure cylinder and said fluid pressure means, a limit switch, means to open and close said limit switch upon movement of said iron, whereby upon actuation of said control means to admit fluid to said fluid pressure cylinder said iron will move downwardly into engagement with said tape to apply said transfer to an article disposed on said table, and upon return of said iron to uppermost position said limit switch will close to cause said fluid pressure means to engage said clutch thereby advancing said tape to bring the next transfer into registry with said iron, such registration being effected by the engagement of a transfer with said rollers, the thickness of the ink forming the transfer moving said rollers apart to pivot said rocker arm and close said microswitch thus causing said fluid pressure means to disengage said clutch.

8. A transfer printing machine comprising a table on which articles to be printed may be placed, a heated iron mounted for movement toward and from said table, a frame, a roll of tape rotatably mounted on said frame, spaced transfers of heat sensitive ink carried by said tape, an elongated base member carried by said frame, a roller adjustably mounted on said base member adjacent one end thereof, a microswitch mounted on the opposite end thereof, a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said base member, a roller mounted on said rocker arm adjacent said first mentioned roller, adjustable resilient means engaging said base and said rocker arm to bias said rollers into engagement, an adjustable push rod mounted on said rocker arm and engageable with said microswitch to open and close the same upon pivotal movement of said rocker arm, guide means for directing said tape from said roll between said rollers and for positioning said tape above said table in spaced substantially parallel relation thereto, tape pulling means comprising a bracket, a friction roller mounted on said bracket, an idler roller mounted on said bracket for holding said tape in engagement with said friction roller, a driving motor, a clutch between said motor and said friction roller and means for engaging and disengaging said clutch, a limit switch, means to open and close said limit switch upon movement of said iron, whereby upon movement of said iron downwardly into engagement with said tape to apply said transfer to an article on said table and upon return movement of said iron to uppermost position the closing of said limit switch will serve to engage said clutch thereby advancing said tape to bring the next transfer into registry with said iron, such registration being effected by the enspaced transfers of heat sensitive ink carried by gagement of a transfer with said rollers, the

15 thickness of the ink forming :the' transfer moving said 'rollers apart to pivot said rocker arm and olose said'microswitch to disengage said c1utch 9. For use with a transfer printing machine a transfer tape feeding and registration apparatus comprising a frame, a roll of tape rotatably mounted on said frame, spaced transfers of heat sensitive ink carried by said tape, an elongated base member carried by said frame, a roller adjustably mounted on said'base membera'djacent one end thereof, a microswitch mounted on said basemember adjacent the opposite end thereof, a rookerarmpivotally mounted on said base member, a roller mounted on said rocker arm adjacent said first mentioned roller, adjustable resilient means engaging said base member and saidrocker rm to bias said rollers into engagement, an adjustable push rod mounted on said rocker arm and engageable with said microswitch to open and close the same upon pivotal movement of said rocker arm, guide means for directing said tape from said roll between said rollers, tape pulling means comprising a bracket, a friction roller mounted on said bracket, an idler roller mounted on said bracket for holding said tape in engagement with said friction 'roller,:a driving motor, a clutch between said motor and said friction roller and fluid pressuremeans for engaging and disengaging said clutch, a'iiuid pressure source, solenoid valves for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure means and switch means for energizing certain of said solenoid valves to admit fluid from said source to said fluid pressure means to engage said clutch whereby said tape wdll be advanced to bring a transfer into operative position, the registration of said transfer being eifected by the engagement of a transfer with said rollers, the thickness of the ink forming the transfer moving said rollers apart to pivot said rocker arm and close said microswitch to energize other of said solenoid valves to'disengage said clutch.

10. For use with a transfer printing machine a transfer tape feeding and registration apparatus, comprising a frame, a roll of tape rotatably mounted on said frame, spaced transfers of heat sensitive ink carried by said tape, a base member carried by said frame, a roller adjustably mounted on said base member, a microswitch mounted on said base member, a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said base member, a roller mounted on said rocker arm adjacent said first mentioned roller, adjustable resilient means engaging said base member and said rocker arm to bias said rollers into engagement, means on said rocker arm engageable with said microswitch to open and close the same upon pivotal movement of said rocker arm, guide means for directing said tape from said roll between said rollers, tape pulling means comprising a friction roller, an idler roller for holding said tape in engagement with said friction roller, a driving motor, a clutch between said motor and said friction roller and fluid pressure means for engaging and disengaging saidclutch, a fluid pressure source, solenoid valves for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure means and switch means for energizing certain of said solenoid valves to admit fluid from said source to said fluid pressure means to engage said clutch, whereby said tape will be advanced to bring a transfer into operative position, the registration of said transfer being effected by the engagement of a transfer with said rollers, the thickness of the ink forming the transfer F6 moving saidrollers'apart to pivot said rocker-arm and close said microswitch to energize'other of said solenoid :valvesto disengage said clutch.

11. For -usewith a transfer printing machine a. transfer tape feeding and registration apparatus, comprising a frame, a roll of tape rotatably mountedon said frame, spaced transfers ofheat sensitiveink'carried by said tape, a base member carried by said frame, a roller adjustably mounted on said base .member, a microswitch mounted on said base member, a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said base member, a roller mounted on said rocker arm adjacent said first m'entiened 'roller, means to bias said rollers into engagement,#means on said rocker arm engageable'with said microswitch to open and close the same upon-pivotalmovement of said rocker arm, guide means for directing saidtape from said roll between said rollers, tape pulling means comprising a frictionroller, means for holding said tape in engagement with said friction roller,-a driving motor, a clutch between said'motorand said friction roller and fluid pressure means for engagingand disengaging said clutch, 'a fluid pressure source, solenoid valves for controlling the operation of said fluid pressure means and switch means for energizing certain of said solenoid valves -toadmit fluid'from said sourceto said fluid pressure means to engage said clutch, whereby-saidtape will be advanced tobring a transfer into operative position, the registration of said transfer being effected by the engagement of a'transfer withsaid rollers, the thickness of the ink forming the transfer moving said rollers apart to pivot said rocker arm and close said microswitch to energize other of said solenoid valves to disengage said clutch.

12. For use with atransfer printing machine a transfer tape feeding and registration apparatus comprising -a frame, a roll a of tape rotatably mounted on said frame, spaced transfers ofheat sensitive ink carried by said tape, a base member carried 'by said frame, a roller adjustably mounted on said base member, a microswitch mounted on saidbase member, a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said base member, a roller mounted on said rocker arm adjacent said first mentioned roller, means to bias said rollers into engagement, means on said rocker armengageable \vith'saidinicroswitch to open'and close the same upon pivotai'movementof said rocker arm, guide'means for directing said tapefrom said roll between said rollers, tape pulling means comprising'a friction 'rollergmeans for holding said tape in engagement with said friction roller, a driving-fmotor, a-clutch'between said motor and said friction roller and means for engaging and disengaging said clutch,aswitch means for engaging said clutch whereby said tape wil1 be advanced ta loring a transfer into operativeposition, the registration of said transfer being effected by the engagement ofa transfer with said rollers, the thickness-of the ink forming'the transfer moving said rollers apart to pivot said rocker arm and close said microswitch, thereby disengaging said clutch.

References Cited'in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,922,852 Humphrey Aug. 15, 1933' 2,138,350 McChesney Nov. 29, 1938' 2,286,458 Bowman June 16, I942 

